Globe surrounded by arrows made of leaves, butterflies around, hands at the bottom

In a year that’s been characterised by the unprecedented use of the word unprecedented, not to mention a pandemic, multiple lockdowns and the deepest recession since the Great Depression, we thought we would dedicate our penultimate Blog post of 2020 to some good news. Despite a deluge of negative headlines, there are many positive developments afoot which perhaps readers may have missed. Here are three stories which make us feel optimistic about the future – 

1: Net-zero pledges have climbed: the United Nations announced in September that the number of countries and corporates announcing net-zero carbon commitments has almost doubled in the last year. Countries such as China and corporates from Facebook to Ford have all instituted goals for the first time. Watch also for next year’s COP26 global climate conference where further targets may be disclosed.

2: Hunger reduced: eradicating hunger is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and while there is still much to be done, the World Food Programme (the largest humanitarian organisation on the planet responsible for addressing hunger and promoting food security) has provided assistance to ~100m people in 88 countries over the past year. 

3: More medical breakthroughs: the speed in which vaccines were developed to protect against SARS-coV-2 (or the coronavirus) is testament to the dynamism and collaboration of the scientific community. Beyond this major achievement, over the past year, researchers in Australia have made major progress in developing a cancer vaccine to treat blood cancers and other malignancies. Meanwhile, researchers in Hong Kong have developed the world’s first spherical artificial eye with a 3D retina. This may offer hope to people with visual impairments. 

There have also been major gains achieved in the past 12 months in terms of plastic waste reduction, wildlife conservation and increasing gender equality, even if – to reiterate – there is much more that can still be done. For further information on all the above stories, see this useful summary from the World Economic Forum. With season’s greetings to all our readers.

Disclaimers

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document. 

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